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Grilled Char Sui Pork

Super simple marinade for Chinese barbecue pork
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Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time1 hour 25 minutes
Marination Time16 hours
Total Time17 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 lb Pork shoulder (butt)

Char Sui Marinade

  • 1 tbsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/8 tsp red food coloring
  • 1 cube fermented red bean curd
  • 2 tbsp Water or 2 tbsp of Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Basting Liquid

  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 3 drops red food coloring

Instructions

  • Take 3 lbs of pork butt and cut into 1-1.5 inch thick steaks. Then cut these in half into strips.
  • Put strips into a large mixing bowl. Top the top put 1 cup of white sugar.
  • Then put 1/8 tsp (3 drops) of red food coloring on top of the sugar.
  • Put some disposable gloves on and then work the food coloring into the sugar and then into the meat. Once it's distributed, add 2 tbsp of water and continue to work the sugar into the meat.
  • Then add the rest of the ingredients on top.
    1 tbsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 1 cube fermented red bean curd, 1 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder, 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Work the ingredients into the meat and continue massaging thoroughly for 5 minutes or so.
  • Then allow this to marinate overnight.

The Next Day, Get Your Grill to 300-325F

  • Don't exceed this temperature as you'll risk burning the meat.
  • To a small bowl make your basting liquid and ensure the honey is dissolved in the water.
    2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, 3 drops red food coloring
  • Once at temperature, put char sui pork on the grill indirect and allow to grill for 45 minutes.
  • After 45 minutes, flip and baste the char sui - then grill for another 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, flip and baste again.
  • Then take off the grill to rest for 15 minutes. These should be roughly 180F internal when they're done.
  • Then slice thin and enjoy!

Notes

All 5 spice powders are different.
The one I use has a forward flavor of star anise/licorice - I find that a little goes a LONG way.